Unearth Every Artifact in ASA Extinction! Welcome to the ultimate guide, fellow Ark survivors! If you’ve ever felt the thrill of exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Ark: Survival Ascended’s Extinction DLC but found yourself scratching your head trying to locate those elusive artifacts, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. Extinction artifacts are not just shiny trinkets; they represent a significant challenge and a true testament to your survival prowess in one of Ark’s most unforgiving environments. This guide is dedicated to helping you master the art of artifact hunting across the corrupted lands, desolate deserts, and frozen wastes of Extinction. We’re talking about more than just finding them; we’re talking about how to prepare , strategize , and triumph over the dangers that guard these precious items. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a quick refresh or a new player diving into Extinction for the first time, this article will equip you with all the knowledge you need. We’ll cover everything from the best dinosaurs to bring along, the essential gear you can’t leave home without, and pro tips to navigate the highly dangerous biomes. Prepare to delve deep into the secrets of Extinction, face off against corrupted creatures, and emerge victorious with every single artifact in hand. So, grab your trusty tames, craft some high-quality gear, and let’s embark on this epic journey together to collect every single Extinction artifact and cement your legacy as a true survivor in Ark: Survival Ascended ! This isn’t just about ticking off a checklist; it’s about understanding the map, respecting its dangers, and having an absolute blast while doing it. We’ll make sure you understand the unique challenges this DLC presents, from the constant threat of corrupted creatures to the environmental hazards that can quickly turn a hopeful expedition into a desperate scramble for survival. Get ready to explore, strategize, and conquer! Trust us, by the end of this guide, you’ll be navigating Extinction like a true alpha, making artifact runs feel less like a chore and more like an exciting, rewarding adventure. Let’s get those artifacts, guys! ## Understanding Extinction Artifacts: Why They Matter For many of you brave survivors, the term “ Extinction artifacts ” might conjure images of daunting challenges and thrilling discoveries, and you’d be absolutely right! While the King Titan boss fight on Extinction doesn’t traditionally require artifacts as tributes in the same way other Ark bosses do (it mostly demands specific items like Corrupt Hearts and Element Dust, alongside powerful Titans), these physical artifacts are still very much present on the map. They serve several crucial purposes that add significant depth and reward to your Ark: Survival Ascended gameplay experience. Primarily, collecting these artifacts allows you to acquire trophies , which are essential for displaying your achievements and proving your mastery over the game’s toughest challenges. Think of them as badges of honor, visually representing your dedication and skill. Beyond mere bragging rights, these trophies are often required for specific Tekgram unlocks if you transfer them to other maps or if you eventually face bosses on other maps where these artifacts are indeed the tribute items. Even within Extinction, hunting these artifacts provides an excellent reason to explore every nook and cranny of this diverse and dangerous map, pushing you to venture into biomes you might otherwise overlook. Each artifact is typically nestled in a challenging location, often guarded by formidable creatures or environmental hazards, turning the hunt into a mini-adventure in itself. This exploration not only enhances your understanding of the map but also grants you access to valuable resource nodes and hidden loot caches along the way. Furthermore, successfully retrieving these Extinction artifacts is a fantastic way to test your preparation and combat skills . You’ll learn to adapt to different biomes, anticipate creature spawns, and master the art of both evasion and confrontation. It hones your survival instincts, teaches you resource management under pressure, and helps you identify which tames and gear compositions are most effective for specific scenarios. For many, the act of collecting them all is a personal challenge, a completionist goal that adds immense satisfaction. It pushes you to improve your overall Ark gameplay, from efficient movement and scouting to strategic combat and base building. So, while they might not directly unlock the King Titan, these Extinction artifacts are integral to the holistic Ark experience, offering rewards , challenges , and unforgettable adventures . They’re a core part of what makes Ark: Survival Ascended so engaging, guys, encouraging you to dive deep and truly conquer the game’s harsh realities. Don’t underestimate the value of a comprehensive artifact collection; it’s a pathway to greater understanding and mastery of this incredible world. Each successful retrieve will give you a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match, laying the groundwork for even bigger challenges you’ll face in the future. These artifacts are not just digital items; they’re milestones in your journey as a survivor. ## Preparing for Your Artifact Hunt in Extinction Alright, survivors, before we even think about chasing those shiny Extinction artifacts , let’s talk serious business: preparation . Diving headfirst into the corrupted wilderness of Extinction without the right gear and tames is a one-way ticket to respawn city, and nobody wants that! Trust me, this map is unforgiving, and a little planning goes a long way. First off, your dinosaur companions are your lifeline. For general exploration and combat, a reliable Giga or a high-level Rex is almost mandatory, especially when dealing with the highly aggressive Corrupted Creatures that roam the Wasteland. These heavy hitters will chew through most threats, giving you the upper hand. For quick travel and avoiding ground threats, a fast flyer like a Tapejara or a Snow Owl (for healing capabilities) is invaluable. The Snow Owl’s ability to freeze enemies and heal your tames or yourself can be a game-changer in tight spots. Don’t forget a good combat flyer like a Wyvern for aerial superiority in certain areas. Also, consider a Rock Drake if you have access to Aberration content, as their stealth and climbing abilities are fantastic for navigating tricky terrain and evading detection. Their natural insulation also helps with temperature extremes. Next up: essential gear . You’ll want a full set of Tek Armor if possible, as it provides immense protection, environmental resistance, and mobility (the jetpack is a godsend!). If Tek isn’t an option, high-quality Flak Armor (preferably Ascendant) is your best bet. Always carry a spare set, because Extinction’s creatures hit hard! For weapons, a good assault rifle or shotgun with plenty of ammo is crucial. Don’t forget a Tek Rifle for those really tough situations, or a pump-action shotgun for close-quarters bursts. A longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts is also great for taming any opportunistic finds or pacifying threats from a distance. And speaking of distance, a GPS and a compass are non-negotiable – Extinction can be disorienting, and you don’t want to get lost! In terms of consumables , carry stacks of medical brews and energy brews . You’ll be fighting, running, and swimming, so health and stamina are always at a premium. Water skins or canteens are vital, especially in the Desert biome. Bring food that provides good nutrition and health regeneration, like cooked meat or custom recipes. Bug Repellent can also be surprisingly useful to bypass some annoying insects in specific areas without drawing aggro. Finally, consider building a small forward operating base or at least setting up a bed/sleeping bag near the region you plan to explore. This provides a safe respawn point and a place to drop off loot or refresh supplies without having to trek all the way back to your main base. A small metal box for storage and a forge for repairs can also be incredibly helpful. Remember, strategic planning and over-preparation are your best friends in Extinction. Scouting the area before engaging, understanding the creature spawns, and having an escape route are all pro-level tips that will save your life. Don’t rush; take your time, assess the risks, and gather your resources wisely. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and with the right setup, you’ll be collecting those Extinction artifacts like a true master. Good luck, survivors! ## Finding Every Artifact on Ark: Survival Ascended Extinction Alright, guys, this is the core of our mission: locating every single artifact scattered across the treacherous landscape of Ark: Survival Ascended Extinction . As we mentioned, these aren’t directly for the King Titan, but they’re still valuable for trophies , Tekgram unlocks via other bosses (if transferred), and the sheer thrill of collection. Extinction reuses the standard set of Ark artifacts but places them in unique and challenging spots across its distinct biomes. Let’s break down where you can find each one and what challenges you might face! ### The Forest Biome’s Hidden Gems (Artifacts of the Strong, Hunter) Our journey kicks off in the relatively ‘safer’ (and I use that term loosely in Extinction!) Forest Biome . This lush, verdant area stands in stark contrast to the rest of the map, offering a brief respite from the harsh elements, but don’t let its beauty deceive you; dangers still lurk! Here, you’ll find the Artifact of the Strong and the Artifact of the Hunter . The Artifact of the Strong is often found nestled within a cave system or a particularly tricky-to-reach spot, usually involving some parkour or careful platforming with your survivor. A common location for it is deep within a cave or a sunken structure within the forest. To get here, you’ll need a reliable land mount that can handle some tight spaces, or even just your survivor and good climbing picks. Be wary of megalosaurus , titanoboas , and other cave dwellers that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared survivor. A good shotgun or assault rifle is essential here, alongside plenty of medical brews. Consider bringing a Thylacoleo for its wall-climbing ability, which can be incredibly useful for reaching higher ledges and navigating the verticality of some forest caves. Its pounce attack can also dispatch threats quickly. The Artifact of the Hunter , true to its name, is often found in areas that predators frequent, particularly near water sources or dense foliage where creatures like carnivores and raptors thrive. This artifact might be in an open-air cave, a small crevice, or even underwater in one of the deeper ponds or rivers within the biome. For this artifact, a Spino or a Baryonyx could be excellent choices, especially if the location involves water, as both are formidable in aquatic combat. If it’s on land, your trusty Rex or Giga can clear the area. Be prepared for encounters with packs of allosauurs or even a surprise alpha raptor . Having a flyer like a Snow Owl to scout the area from above and spot the entrance to the artifact’s location can save you a lot of time and potential hassle. Always be ready for a fight, and remember to use your environment to your advantage. These artifacts might be in the ‘safer’ biome, but Extinction never truly lets its guard down, so neither should you, guys! ### Desert Biome’s Arid Challenges (Artifacts of the Cunning, Brute) Next up, we brave the scorching sands and ancient ruins of the Desert Biome . This area is characterized by its vast, open spaces, towering rock formations, and, you guessed it, a host of deadly creatures perfectly adapted to the arid environment. Here, you’ll typically be hunting for the Artifact of the Cunning and the Artifact of the Brute . The Artifact of the Cunning often requires a bit more than just brute force; it usually demands clever navigation through narrow canyons or hidden passages. One common location is within a specific cave system or a deep, winding canyon that is often inhabited by Titanoboas , Scorpions , and sometimes even Megalania . To tackle this, a smaller, agile mount like a Direwolf or a Thylacoleo can be beneficial for getting through tight spots. If you’re going on foot, ensure you have strong armor and a reliable ranged weapon. Watch out for environmental hazards like sandstorms, which can drastically reduce visibility and make navigation even harder. A Rock Drake is also a fantastic choice here, as it can traverse tricky terrain with ease and its camouflage can help you sneak past aggressive creatures. The Artifact of the Brute often lives up to its name, requiring you to overcome significant resistance. This artifact is typically found in larger, more open areas or within ruins where powerful creatures roam freely. Expect to face Deathworms (a major threat!), Rock Elementals , and Gigas (both wild and corrupted versions if you venture too close to the Wasteland edge). A Giga is highly recommended for this hunt, as its sheer power can make short work of most threats. Alternatively, a strong Rex pack can also be effective. The locations tend to be more exposed, so be wary of aerial threats as well. Having a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can serve as a mobile base for repairs and respite. Remember to bring plenty of water, as dehydration is a real concern in the Desert. Visibility is generally good, but the scale of the landscape can be deceptive, so keep your GPS handy! ### Snow Biome’s Icy Secrets (Artifact of the Pack) The Snow Biome is a stark contrast to the desert, presenting its own unique set of challenges with biting cold and formidable predators. This is where you’ll be searching for the Artifact of the Pack . The Artifact of the Pack is typically found within icy caves or along treacherous frozen rivers, often guarded by packs of creatures like Direwolves , Yutyrannus , and even Yetis (Gigantopithecus variants). The extreme cold is a major factor here, so fur armor (Ascendant quality if possible) is absolutely essential. Bring plenty of Fria Curry to mitigate the hypothermia effect, or utilize a Ferox for its natural warmth. A powerful land mount like a Yutyrannus (for its courage roar and combat capabilities) or a Therizinosaur (for its damage and harvesting abilities) can be very effective in these encounters. For navigation through the icy caves, a smaller, agile creature or even a Rock Drake (again, if available from Aberration) for its climbing and cold resistance can be invaluable. Watch out for icy patches that can cause your tames to slip and lose control. A Snow Owl is also an excellent choice for this biome, not only for scouting and transport but also for its ability to heal any damage your tames might take in a difficult fight. The Artifact of the Pack demands a balance of protection from the elements and readiness for combat against coordinated groups of predators. ### The Corrupted Wasteland’s Treacherous Troves (Artifacts of the Immune, Chaos, Skylord, Devious, Clever, Destroyer) Now, guys, we enter the true heart of Extinction’s danger: the Corrupted Wasteland . This is where the majority of the remaining Extinction artifacts reside, often in the most perilous locations. Expect high radiation, constant threats from Corrupted Creatures (Corrupted Rexes, Gigas, Wyverns, etc.), and environmental hazards like Element Veins and Orbital Supply Drops (OSDs). This zone is not for the faint of heart. You’ll find the Artifacts of the Immune, Chaos, Skylord, Devious, Clever , and Destroyer here. Many of these are tucked away in the Sunken Forest section or within the City Ruins , while others might be near Element Veins or OSD crash sites . For any artifact hunt in the Wasteland, Tek Armor is almost a prerequisite due to the radiation and the sheer number of threats. If Tek isn’t available, multiple sets of high-durability Hazard Suit Gear are essential. Your tames should be top-tier: high-level Gigas (preferably imprinted) are kings here, capable of mowing down hordes of corrupted creatures. Velonasaur can also be great for ranged attacks against smaller, annoying threats. A Managarmr offers unparalleled mobility, allowing you to quickly escape dangerous situations, but be mindful of its stamina. The Artifact of the Immune and Artifact of the Chaos are often found in areas with higher concentrations of corrupted creatures or near actively glowing Element Veins . The danger here is not just the creatures but the sheer volume of them. Be prepared for prolonged engagements. A good strategy is to clear a path, grab the artifact, and immediately egress. The Artifact of the Skylord and Artifact of the Devious can often be found within the overgrown structures of the Sunken Forest or within the crumbling buildings of the City Ruins . These areas can be maze-like, making navigation difficult. A flyer like a Tek Stryder (if you have Genesis 2 content) or even a Rock Drake for stealth and climbing can be incredibly useful to navigate these complex environments. Watch out for corrupted flyers that patrol the skies. The Artifact of the Clever and Artifact of the Destroyer might be located in more open, highly corrupted zones, perhaps close to where Orbital Supply Drops land or near massive Element Shards . These areas are often hotbeds of activity and will require extreme caution and overwhelming firepower. Always bring plenty of ammunition and medical supplies, and have an escape plan ready. Consider bringing a mek or a titan (if you’ve tamed one) for these extremely dangerous runs, as their raw power can make artifact retrieval much safer. Remember, the Wasteland is a constant battle for survival. Prioritize stealth where possible, always be aware of your surroundings, and never underestimate the corrupted creatures. Each of these Extinction artifacts represents a significant challenge, but with proper planning and execution, you can claim them all! ## Advanced Strategies for Artifact Acquisition So, you’ve got your gear, your tames, and a general idea of where those precious Extinction artifacts are hiding. Now let’s talk about advanced strategies that will elevate your artifact runs from risky endeavors to efficient, repeatable successes. This is where you really start thinking like an alpha survivor, guys! Firstly, team play cannot be overstated. While it’s possible to solo many artifact hunts with a strong setup, bringing a few friends significantly increases your chances of success and makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. A dedicated pilot for a Snow Owl or Managarmr can scout ahead, draw aggro, or provide quick healing and support. Another player on a ground-pounder like a Giga can clear the path, while a third focuses on collecting the artifact and fending off smaller threats. This division of labor allows for faster, safer, and more coordinated runs, especially in the highly dangerous Wasteland. Each person can bring specialized tames, covering all bases from ground combat to aerial support and even cave exploration. Next, consider specific dino builds for different environments. For the frozen north, don’t just bring any old bear; bring a high-level Dire Bear with massively leveled health and melee damage, perfect for tanking hits and dishing out punishment against packs of wolves. For the desert, a Stryder from Genesis 2, with its massive weight capacity and resource-gathering capabilities, coupled with its resistance to heat, can make life significantly easier, acting as a mobile processing unit and storage. For underwater sections (if an artifact is submerged), a Baryonyx or Spino specifically bred for high oxygen, stamina, and melee can dominate. Don’t just rely on general combat stats; think about how each dino’s unique abilities can be leveraged. Caving strategies are also crucial, particularly for artifacts located in confined spaces. Before entering, always scout the entrance with a small, disposable dino or a Pteranodon on neutral to draw out initial threats. Once inside, if the cave is narrow, consider dismounting and using a Thylacoleo to climb walls, or even relying on your own survivor with high-quality armor and a good shotgun . For larger caves, a Yutyrannus can provide courage roars, boosting your tames’ damage and morale. Remember to bring grappling hooks for vertical navigation and quick escapes, and flares or torch to illuminate dark corners, revealing hidden enemies or paths. Dealing with corrupted creatures in the Wasteland requires a special approach. They often spawn in overwhelming numbers and include formidable variants like Corrupted Gigas . The best strategy here is often to avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary. Use the mobility of a Managarmr or Rock Drake to bypass large groups. If you must fight, focus fire on one target at a time to reduce the threat quickly. For Orbital Supply Drops (OSDs) , which are often near artifacts, decide whether the risk of defending them (which attracts endless waves of corrupted creatures) is worth the reward. Sometimes, it’s better to circle around an active OSD than to get caught in the crossfire. Finally, resource management extends beyond just carrying enough food and water. It means knowing when to disengage and retreat to a safe zone to repair armor, heal tames, and replenish supplies. Setting up small forward operating bases or hidden caches with extra supplies across the map can save you from a desperate long-haul back to your main base. Utilize Tek replicators or fabricators in these temporary bases for quick repairs and ammo crafting. Having a Tek teleporter linked back to your main base can also be a lifesaver for fast travel and escape. By implementing these advanced strategies , you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving in Extinction, making your Extinction artifact collection an exciting, well-executed operation rather than a series of harrowing near-death experiences. Good luck, survivors, and happy hunting! ## Post-Collection: What to Do With Your Extinction Artifacts Congratulations, alpha survivor! You’ve braved the corrupted lands, battled formidable creatures, and meticulously gathered every single Extinction artifact ! That’s a monumental achievement, and you should be incredibly proud. But now you might be wondering,